What Happened to Norseman Bits? And a Good Alternative?

[ihateminimumwage]

I had an excellent set of Chicago Latrobe bits I bought in 2015 through Northern Tool under their Klutch brand, and did me well until some of the smaller bits got chewed through on a project.

Rather than replace the individuals, I opted for a new set and went with the Norseman SPM-29P "Super Premium Black and Gold" mechanic's length set, which so far hasn't held up at all. Each bit has been good for about one use through the sheetmetal on my work truck's service body. The cutting edges instantly dull and blue, or just chip right off.

Starting to wish I would've heeded LXCam's warning from not too long ago...

If that's the same set that Epstein sold last year its complete FN junk. I'd have been better off using a one dollar bill to throw a 100 bucks worth of blow up my nose.

Pissed, oh you bet!!


I've been a major fan of Norseman forever and have a couple older sets. This set here is not even remotely close in quality. Oh you'll get one hole out of them. But go back to back in mild steel and the edge is history. The first time it happened I figured it was a fluke. But it's happened to 6 of the bits. You can't even let the least little bit of heat get in them or they take a instant dump. I'm so bent about this one purchase I'll never buy another set from them again.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7150543&postcount=9

Decided to give it a go and see if there was any chance the Klutch sets were still the same, but no go. Set showed up yesterday; Still USA made, but no flats for the chuck, no stamping for sizes (just light laser etching). I'd use them, but they're also longer than my old set, so they won't fit in the Norseman case I kept them in.

Obviously Norseman was the go to 5-10 years ago, and not sure what changed, but it's bad. Was looking at drill hog, but also saw comments they're just rebranded Norseman. I'd be temped to go Chicago Latrobe again, but not at 3x what I paid for my last set, as seems like the going rate...

So as much as this gets asked, anyone have some CURRENT recommendations for a mobile diesel mechanic?

 

[LXCam]

Guess I don't have anything else to add other then I'm sorry you're having the same experience. Btw, we aren't the only ones, I've seen a few of the identical comments.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Guess I don't have anything else to add other then I'm sorry you're having the same experience. Btw, we aren't the only ones, I've seen a few of the identical comments.

Yeah, to say I'm disappointed is an understatement. Jumped from a set that made it through 3 years of hard use and held up fantastically to this set that has barely seen light use in the last 5 months and is practically useless.

I'd be temped to drill my Norseman case a little deeper with some drill stops and run the new Klutch set, but the larger bits are near 1" longer, and I absolutely run into spots where that will be an issue.

Not sure who currently makes the the Klutch set, the logo on some of the bits is a "C" inside what looks like a backwards "D".

 

[bob15]

If that is blue (from heat) on the drill bit, you are going too fast for the material (same with the chipping issue you're having). Try slowing down or using a little oil.

Maybe this will help you: http://www.carbidedepot.com/formulas-drills-troubleshoot.htm

As for replacing them, why not just resharpen the bits you think are bad/dull? Go get a Drill Doctor and go to town with it.

 

[LXCam]

If that is blue (from heat) on the drill bit, you are going too fast for the material (same with the chipping issue you're having). Try slowing down or using a little oil.

Maybe this will help you: http://www.carbidedepot.com/formulas-drills-troubleshoot.htm

As for replacing them, why not just resharpen the bits you think are bad/dull? Go get a Drill Doctor and go to town with it.

Bob, they are complete pieces of ****. I'm a fairly competent machinest and rarely ever take a bit out from negligence. You're just going to have to trust us...THESE ****!!!

 

[manwithtools]

If that is blue (from heat) on the drill bit, you are going too fast for the material (same with the chipping issue you're having). Try slowing down or using a little oil.

Maybe this will help you: http://www.carbidedepot.com/formulas-drills-troubleshoot.htm

As for replacing them, why not just resharpen the bits you think are bad/dull? Go get a Drill Doctor and go to town with it.

Or it could be that they are **** bits. If they are chipping from drilling into sheet metal and dulling after the second hole in mild steel it sounds like a quality issue. It likely not operator error given the pedigree of the folks commenting, I'd think it's more product quality than technique.

 

[bob15]

Bob, they are complete pieces of ****. I'm a fairly competent machinest and rarely ever take a bit out from negligence. You're just going to have to trust us...THESE ****!!!

If they are that bad, please send them to me, I'll take care of your issues....

Honestly, I haven't had your issues with my Norseman sets or individual bits I've purchased along the way.

Have you tried to contact them at all?

 

[Stooge]

Well thats unfortunate, i bought the spm-29p set back in 2015 according my Epsteins order history and they've been holding up well, used often but not everyday. I bought an extra handful of 1/8" bits for cleco duty in the last year or 2, and those didnt seem to last too long now that i think of it. I've used much worse bits than the norseman set so something must have changed since then or i lucked out and got an old stock set.

 

[LXCam]

If they are that bad, please send them to me, I'll take care of your issues....

Honestly, I haven't had your issues with my Norseman sets or individual bits I've purchased along the way.

Have you tried to contact them at all?

Guess you didn't read my quoted comment in the original post. I've never had a bad experience with Norseman until this set. Hell I still use my HSS master jobber set that I got in early 2000 2-3 days a week in my shop.

Whatever happened I don't know but what I do know is......THESE ****!!!

If I didn't mention that before

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Dang, I didn't know something was up until now. I had one about 3/8 of an inch that blew the tips right off, I had chalked it up to operator error. Maybe, maybe not.

 

[Carquest]

Have you ever tried KN Kut? I’ve had very good luck with them, however I’m not a daily user


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Wamsutta]

Go with CTD (Consolidated Toledo Drill)
Machinists use them to drill out broken bolts.

 

[manwithtools]

I've had pretty good service at work and at home from Hertel, the MSC house brand. Some items are USA made, some are not, but overall they work very well for us.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Good older stuff and recent replacements ****?
At a shop I frequently work at. I was impressed with the bits they used, that came in a made in USA package. I deal with the same distributor as that shop; so I inquired about those drill bits the next time they called. Yep, they claimed made in Minnesota, so I ordered seven packets of smaller sizes. I was not impressed when My order arrived, and only one of the packets was labeled USA, and the rest China. Those bits were ****. Being this same distributor misrepresented a couple of other orders as well; I stopped doing business with them all together. Whether this swap was that distributor or Norseman themselves; I couldn't say at the time.. But now; reading what others have experienced with purchases in the last FEW Years; It is sad to say that I would feel the need to buy a couple Norseman bits from a known retailer to test for myself -- Especially before considering purchasing a full set. Despite My wishes and hopes for a quality USA product; those test results would be what they be. For LXCam and others; that verdict is already in.

 

[pstemari]

Odd. I bought a set of the split point jobber length fractional drills, and they've been the bee's knees. Lots of deep drilling into 12L14 on the lathe, and none of the problems I've had with the boys from Brazil (Bosch and PTD) .

That said, the jobber length drills are definitely a different animal that the mechanic's length drills. No flats, etc, but definitely razor-sharp.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[ChevyEFI]

I got really close to ordering some Norseman around 2017, then the tide changed, based on comments. Glad I hesitated. I will push hard, and overheat drills sometimes and would be upset at the performance I see in the first pic of the thread

 

[bob15]

Guess you didn't read my quoted comment in the original post. I've never had a bad experience with Norseman until this set. Hell I still use my HSS master jobber set that I got in early 2000 2-3 days a week in my shop.

Whatever happened I don't know but what I do know is......THESE ****!!!

If I didn't mention that before

So we have had completely different results with similar aged drill bits. I didn't start using Norseman until a few years ago and haven't had the issues you're seeing....sorry

And yes, I have used them somewhat hard (grade 8 bolts) steel and soft steel, SS, AL, sheet metal, etc.

And my offer still stand....LOL

 

[4 FN 27]

I am having dinner with the President of Viking Drill tonight. They make Norseman. I am not one to bring up business at an outing like this.

His SIL is a good friend of mine.

If the opportunity presents itself I will bring it up. I know their commitment to quality is second to none.

No promises as I do not mix business with pleasure. But I will follow up with him. I am sure he will not want their products getting a bad wrap in the web.

 

[manwithtools]

I am having dinner with the President of Viking Drill tonight. They make Norseman. I am not one to bring up business at an outing like this.

His SIL is a good friend of mine.

If the opportunity presents itself I will bring it up. I know their commitment to quality is second to none.

No promises as I do not mix business with pleasure. But I will follow up with him. I am sure he will not want their products getting a bad wrap in the web.

That is a great thing about GJ, you never know who might be listening.....

Thanks Pat, I'm sure you know if LXcam is complaining, it's a legit complaint.

 

[LXCam]

I am having dinner with the President of Viking Drill tonight. They make Norseman. I am not one to bring up business at an outing like this.

His SIL is a good friend of mine.

If the opportunity presents itself I will bring it up. I know their commitment to quality is second to none.

No promises as I do not mix business with pleasure. But I will follow up with him. I am sure he will not want their products getting a bad wrap in the web.

Pat of the opportunity does present its self I'll gladly send my entire set to them for evaluation. The case is the only thing worth keeping at this point.

 

[McFarmer]

Champion.

 

[PeterT]

My Norsemen super premium are SUPER ****

 

[4 FN 27]

That is a great thing about GJ, you never know who might be listening.....

Thanks Pat, I'm sure you know if LXcam is complaining, it's a legit complaint.

Pat of the opportunity does present its self I'll gladly send my entire set to them for evaluation. The case is the only thing worth keeping at this point.

Understand.

I have a few sets of Viking. My only complaint is when they are new they are too sharp. Seriously I like to run them through Bar Stock first or they are just plain to aggressive. Kind of like breaking in a saw blade.

 

[woody 73]

I am not crazy about the sky is falling type posts, but it does sometimes happen that bad batches do escape quality control and sometimes when a manufacturing company does a different process that things do happen.

With this being said op please call them on Monday morning and tell them about what is happening and go from there, do show them this post and please report back to us; (They do want to hear about it trust me on this one). I have only good things to say about their drill bits. What I can tell you from my experience is that my drill press is only set up for drilling in wood because the slowest speed I can only go is 450rpm which is to fast for metal working projects some times.

99.99% percent of the time it is my fault because the speed is just to fast and sometimes I have gotten hold of Chinese bits that are made out of tissue paper.


An old post of mine that might help some of you out:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=271214

 

[winlinmac]

I bought Norseman Bits back in 2016, still using them, still works great. Worse comes to push, I'll just sharpen them with a bench grinder until they completely dull out. Based on this thread, I probably should consider another brand for now if I need new bits

 

[4 FN 27]

Well gents I just got back from dinner.

Conversation did not swing that way so didn’t steer it that way. I respect “our” time away from the daily grind.

I will screen shot this and send it to him.

Dinner was great, conversation was great. Looking forward to a night out them again soon, my treat. If it is any consolation he bought dinner. I had a Fillet...lol...

I look up to him as a mentor. He is genuinely great guy.

 

[LXCam]

Totally understandable Pat. I'm the same way, business is business and please leave it there when it's enjoyment time. As I said if there's a genuine interest in quality control I'll send my set in with tagging of the failed bits and a conditions summary.

 

[woody 73]

Like I said they do indeed want to hear back from their customers and I will say it again things do happen, but they will do the right thing. No need to jump ship they make a nice product.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Totally understandable Pat. I'm the same way, business is business and please leave it there when it's enjoyment time. As I said if there's a genuine interest in quality control I'll send my set in with tagging of the failed bits and a conditions summary.

I'll gladly do the same.

 

[WittHay]

So as much as this gets asked, anyone have some CURRENT recommendations for a mobile diesel mechanic?

The places around here sell mainly Champion and Cle-Line for US brands. One place has a large Norseman drill bit display but it gets refilled with Cle-Line drill bits.

Another popular choice for drill bits and grinding wheels around here is Jet a local company. The drill bits are split-point and have the 3 sided flats

COO is less of a concern for me now than it once was. I use Hong-Kong Chinese cordless grinders and drills. (Milwaukee) that chew up drill bits anyways with their keyless chucks. Doesn't bother me to use Canadian Taiwan/Chinese drill bits and grinding wheels (Jet-Kut)

 

[ihateminimumwage]

The places around here sell mainly Champion and Cle-Line for US brands. One place has a large Norseman drill bit display but it gets refilled with Cle-Line drill bits.

Another popular choice for drill bits and grinding wheels around here is Jet a local company. The drill bits are split-point and have the 3 sided flats

COO is less of a concern for me now than it once was. I use Hong-Kong Chinese cordless grinders and drills. (Milwaukee) that chew up drill bits anyways with their keyless chucks. Doesn't bother me to use Canadian Taiwan/Chinese drill bits and grinding wheels (Jet-Kut)

I'm with you on COO being less of a thing, as long as I get a product that works. I've been looking into Rocky Mountain Twist, they own Montana Tools, but do the metal bit side of things. Realized I drive by their shop almost once a week, so might have to check out what they have over the next few weeks...

In the meantime, work covered a set of Cobalt Irwin bits from ACE. Nothing fancy, but probably not made of butter.

 

[WittHay]

I'm with you on COO being less of a thing, as long as I get a product that works. I've been looking into Rocky Mountain Twist, they own Montana Tools, but do the metal bit side of things. Realized I drive by their shop almost once a week, so might have to check out what they have over the next few weeks...

In the meantime, work covered a set of Cobalt Irwin bits from ACE. Nothing fancy, but probably not made of butter.

Thats interesting a drill bit manufacturer in Montana. Before cordless I always used good quality US made drill bits. Its just that the newer cordless drills are hard on drill bits, if you dont have the bits with the 3 flats. The open stock import drill bits up here are easily sourced and are decent quality for service truck use

 

[joedodge]

Man that *****. I have a set that’s prolly 3 years old that is great. I was gonna order another set. I’m a heavy diesel tech so I do a lot fab and drilling. I guess I’ll check out drill hog next

 

[bob15]

Man that *****. I have a set that’s prolly 3 years old that is great. I was gonna order another set. I’m a heavy diesel tech so I do a lot fab and drilling. I guess I’ll check out drill hog next

It could have been a bad batch of bits. I wouldn't write them of; after-all, you have a 3 year old set that seem to be fine for you. My bits have been fine, like yours.....

 

[joedodge]

Excellent point. I am surprised the guys who don’t just sharpen the bits. It’s not a hard skill to learn on a grinder

 

[olds70supreme]

I sprung for a set and have the same experience as the opportunity - small bits snap off, large bits chatter w/o digging in. A few bits in the set cut well, but overall very disappointing.

Looking at the CTD bits online, it seems they are affiliated w/ norseman?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Drill Hog ! Make in the US !!

Sold on eBay and Amazon and lifetime warranty !

 

[dr_clyde]

I sprung for a set and have the same experience as the opportunity - small bits snap off, large bits chatter w/o digging in. A few bits in the set cut well, but overall very disappointing.

Looking at the CTD bits online, it seems they are affiliated w/ norseman?

Yes. CTD is the parent company for Norseman drill and tool.

For what it's worth, these drills are still the best I can find. I buy new drills from this company all the time. I machine a lot of stainless in my shop, and the Magnum drills are my favorite.

 

[Wamsutta]

Looking at the CTD bits online, it seems they are affiliated w/ norseman?

I don't know, but they're suppose to be the very best that my machinist friend has ever used. He won't use anything else. He's been an automotive machinist since 1989.

 

[dr_clyde]

I don't know, but they're suppose to be the very best that my machinist friend has ever used. He won't use anything else. He's been an automotive machinist since 1989.

They're literally the same drills. It has both names on the package.

If I have a choice, these are what I buy for my machine shop.